The six New England states offer annual displays of fall foliage considered among the most spectacular on the planet. Brilliant shades of fiery colors roll out, spreading north to south from Maine to Connecticut, over a few weeks in late September to late October. Showy trees brighten scenes of hills, valleys, farmhouses, forests, lakes and rivers punctuated with the occasional covered wooden bridge. Drive through pretty New England towns with white-steepled churches where arts and antiques festivals add to the seasonal theme. While nature's palette and the peak dates for fall foliage vary year to year, the majesty of her show never fails to impress.

Maine By the Numbers

The largest New England state is the epitome of an outdoorsman's recreation destination, populated by dozens of clear lakes with plentiful stock and more islands than can be counted. While you won't be able to drive all 3,500 miles of Atlantic coastline, you will see some of the 60 lighthouses, 57 species of broad-leaved trees, nine covered bridges and one national park. The Pine Tree State's northern border, shared with Canada, is the first New England region to kick off autumn foliage in mid-September. The state runs a hotline to direct motorists to the routes for the best splashes of color as trees prepare for winter hibernation. Try fresh Maine lobster in Rockport or Camden; the hard-shell variety are in season through mid-autumn, when catches are plentiful and prices are lower.

Sweet Vermont

Stowe would certainly be a finalist in a beauty contest of New England mountain towns. Autumn brings a blaze of color to the hills in advance of the snow, which surely follows. Fans of "The Sound of Music" know that this ski resort is famous for the Trapp Family Lodge, which became home to the real von Trapp family singers after they escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria. Nestled at the base of Green Mountain's highest peak, downtown Stowe's boutiques and cafes make for a pleasant break from driving. Take a walk over the Gold River via Emily's Bridge. Built in 1844, it's one of the oldest in Vermont's collection of 100 wooden covered bridges. Departing Stowe via Route 108, Smuggler's Notch State Park offers a scenic 18-mile drive through steep mountain passes. Some visitors head for Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory tour in Waterbury, others prefer climbing aboard a scenic steam railroad ride, and still others opt to visit one of Vermont's many roadside maple syrup farm stores.

Reflections on New Hampshire

Driving about 100 miles from either Portland, Maine or Rutland, Vermont brings you to the lake district at the foot of New Hampshire's White Mountains. The forested countryside is all the more appealing once summer crowds have departed. Pull on a woolly sweater to paddle a quiet canoe past loons and eagles just like Henry Fonda did "On Golden Pond," which was filmed on Squam Lake. Or get out onto a motorboat on Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest. Fall foliage is twice as nice, reflected on the water of 273 lakes and ponds in central New Hampshire. The intrepid may head for Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., where the steam-powered 1889 cog railway to the the summit is second-steepest in the world. A favorite drive for foliage seekers is along Route 112, the winding Kancamagus Highway, running 34 miles from Lincoln to Conway in the White Mountains. Shoppers flock to North Conway for its famous brand factory outlets.

Unmissable Massachusetts

A drive through New England is incomplete without exploring Massachusetts, the geographical heart of New England and steeped in history. Plymouth Rock, 40 miles south of Boston, commemorates the Mayflower landing in 1620. On the 18th of April in 1775, Paul Revere galloped 25 miles from Boston to Concord and Lexington to warn that the British were coming. Historians come to Boston to walk the Freedom Trail and visit its two dozen landmarks. Drive west across the state to the Berkshire Mountains where a fall foliage tour can culminate in picturesque Williamstown, considered one of the prettiest small towns in the U.S. Nearby, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in cozy Stockbridge, enjoy some outdoor antiquing in Great Barrington or explore a 19th century community re-created at Old Sturbridge Village.

Rhode Island's Riches

Perhaps no image is more familiar to Americans than the portrait of George Washington, as painted by Gilbert Stuart and displayed on the dollar bill. A wonderful discovery five minutes off Interstate 95 is the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, circa 1755. You'll spot the signs for the turnoff in Saunderstown. Call ahead for an autumn tour of the historic grist mill and house. It's only a 15-minute drive from the glorious mansions and Atlantic breakers along the cliffside walk at Newport, home to notables from Cornelius Vanderbilt to Jacqueline Kennedy. Park the car to enjoy some seafood, check out the yachts and explore Newport on foot, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Quintessential Connecticut

Connecticut bridges the gap between quiet and quaint New England towns and the bustle of commuter cities linked to Manhattan by train. Fall foliage comes last to this southernmost New England state, likely to peak anytime from Columbus Day weekend to the end of October. Park in downtown New Haven for two admission-free museums on Yale's pretty campus; Yale Center for British Art has the largest collection of British paintings outside England. Next door, the equally impressive Yale University Art Gallery has a celebrated collection including American paintings. If you're inclined to slow down for a round of golf, Lake of Isles in North Stonington is considered one of the top public courses in the nation. For another outdoor adventure, see the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's county-by-county list of pick-your-own farms, perfect for pumpkins, gourds, apples and more to fill an autumn harvest basket before the drive home.

About the Author

A travel and lifestyle writer based in San Francisco, Laurie Jo Miller Farr contributes to CBS "Best of the Bay" and AXS.com. As a London-based tourism industry professional, she covered the 2012 Olympics, which appeared on "Best of Britain." Farr received the 2013 Yahoo Contributor of the Year Award.